New York Times Article Highlights PTs' Role in Back Pain

An article in today's New York Times on back pain features APTA Media Corps member Mary Ann Wilmarth, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, Certified MDT, and the Find A PT function on APTA's Move Forward consumer Web site. Wilmarth addresses the importance of posture and stretching when sitting or driving for long periods of time. "Habits are hard to break," says the article. "A physical therapist can show you how to align your spine and provide you with exercises to both strengthen your core and loosen up stiff neck, back, arm and leg muscles…"

Comments

Kudos to the New York Times for printing the article by Dr.Mary Ann Wilmarth!
So often,informative and helpful articles regarding health are dismissed as being of "no interest" to the readers.
The article is of a positive nature;and focuses on the responsibility of the patient to take charge,if you please,of those aspects of personal health and well-being which he/she can control.
Thank you,Dr. Wilmarth for writing,and submitting a timely and worthwhile essay directed toward a more complete understanding of the power of preventive measures.
Cordially,
Elliott T. Fleming
COL,USA (ret)
APTA Life Member 67536

Posted by Elliott T. Fleming
on 6/24/2011 3:10 PM

I find it coincidental that this PT has first said "habits are hard to break" and follows with a quote which demonstrates an "outdated practice pattern". How can we show patients how to align their spine? Unless I am wrong, evidence has demonstrated that our palpations, tests and supposed treatments for biomechanical abnormalities of the spine to be unreliable. This type of thinking is holding us back as profession.

Posted by Joseph Brence
on 6/24/2011 3:18 PM

Bravo!great to see the benefits of physical therapy featured in this article.I just wanted to mention that it would be helpful to inform people of the ease of access in the direct referral states and that physical therapy is often covered by health insurance.
In addition providing a link to studies citing the efficacy of conservative care vs surgery etc would be helpfu.
Its nice to see our profession being recognized in the general media.
Sincerely
Asha

Posted by Asha Bajaj PT/DPT
on 6/24/2011 5:53 PM

Appreciated the recognition in a major media source of the values of PT for back pain treatment and prevention. However, it would have been nice to see Mary Anne Wilwerth regognized as Dr. Wilwerth, Chief of PT. She has earned the academic as well as the job title. How can we promote this title in our Brand?